Longevity Thunder Ancestor

Chapter 1057 Changes in the Heavenly Evolution Sect, Qing Hong and Yan Jingchen
Ning Fa also explained, "Over the years, I went to another cultivation world and have only just returned. I am not very clear about the situation in the Nine Dragons Sea."

Upon hearing this, Mingguang and the others immediately realized why they had not heard any news about Ningfa all these years.

“Junior Brother Ning, this area is still within the territory of the Sea Clan. Let’s talk as we walk.”

Mingguang roused himself and casually released a large white bird-like flying magic weapon, which carried the group westward.

On the way, the group also introduced Ningfa to the changes in Kowloon Bay over the past twenty years.

After they finished speaking, Ningfa looked ahead, his eyes deep in thought.

In the third year after he returned to Cangyuan from the Ice Sea via a teleportation array, the sea race, together with the demon race, launched a large-scale war against the Nine Dragons Sea human race with overwhelming force.

At the outset of the war, the human forces suffered heavy casualties and lost vast territories.

Fortunately, the Qin and Tianwu forces did not hinder the operation this time. Instead, they provided resources and manpower to help the human forces in the Nine Dragons Sea stabilize their position and gradually withstand the pressure.

In the following ten years, the offensive of the sea race and the demon race slowed down. Now the human race is also in a stalemate with the other side, but a considerable amount of territory has been occupied by the sea race and the demon race.

Although this war did not last very long, it was quite intense.

Many well-known Nascent Soul cultivators in the Nine Dragons Sea perished as a result, including Duan Ming and Ku Chen, a mid-Nascent Soul cultivator from the Tianshui Sect.

The other two major Nascent Soul sects in Jinshuize—the Sword Cauldron Sect and the Sea Cloud Sect—also saw Nascent Soul cultivators perish, demonstrating the intensity of the battle.

This is also because one of the main battlefields is located in the sea area where the Five Spirits Sea meets the sea tribes, so the soldiers in the Five Spirits Sea suffered more casualties.

Even at the most critical moment, the majestic city of Tianque almost fell.

Seeing Ning Fa deep in thought, Ming Guang and the others did not disturb him.

They were actually very curious about where Ning Fa had been cultivating all these years, but seeing that Ning Fa was unwilling to talk about it, they didn't dare to ask any more questions. Although Ning Fa didn't put on airs, they still felt awe towards him.

At this moment, Ningfa asked again, "Now that the war has temporarily ceased, why did you all risk infiltrating the sea tribe's rear?"

Upon hearing this, Mingguang and the others exchanged glances, some even revealing a bitter smile.

Mingguang coughed and said, "The sea race and the demon race have a grand plan this time. According to the information from our spies who have planted them behind the lines, these two forces are still reorganizing their military preparations and are obviously brewing an even bigger war. Therefore, our wartime alert status has not been lifted."

This time, we infiltrated behind enemy lines to carry out a mission issued by the Tianyan Sect: to collect a special spiritual material on an island near the Tianrong Fire Swamp.

Ning Fa raised an eyebrow. For these Nascent Soul cultivators to personally come out, it must be that the spiritual material was extremely important. However, judging from their expressions, they seemed to have some unspeakable difficulties.

Thinking of this, Ning Fa immediately asked, "You are all family to me, so please speak freely."

Mingguang and the others exchanged glances.

Fairy Chaolu said in a deep voice, "Fellow Daoist Mingguang, haven't we been hoping that Fellow Daoist Ning would return so that he could take charge of the situation in our Jinshui Marsh and lighten our workload?"

Now that Fellow Daoist Ning has returned, what is there that cannot be said?

Xi Hao nodded vigorously, and Ming Guang took a deep breath and slowly said, "Junior Brother Ning, you don't know, but in recent years, Tianyan Sect has issued a lot of high-difficulty missions."

They are collecting very precious spiritual materials and items, not only in large quantities, but also many of which are currently under the control of the sea monsters.

The Nascent Soul sects under the Five Spirits Sea basically all have missions, and if they fail to complete them, they will be severely held accountable by the Heavenly Evolution Sect.

Therefore, this time, the Nascent Soul cultivators from the major sects of Jinshuize had no choice but to venture deep behind enemy lines and take this risky mission.

Now that Junior Brother Ning has arrived, I think the Heavenly Evolution Sect will consider your presence and reduce the tasks assigned to us.

After he finished speaking, Fairy Chaolu and Xi Hao looked at Ning Fa with anticipation, clearly hoping that Ning Fa could come forward to negotiate with Tianyan Sect.

Ning Fa's expression hardened slightly, and he frowned as he said, "Senior Brother Mingguang, from what you're saying, it seems that the Tianyan Sect is collecting these spiritual items not for distribution as war merits?"

Mingguang's bitter smile deepened: "That's true. Even when we were fighting fiercely with the sea race and the demon race, the Tianyan Sect didn't redeem many of the battle rewards for us."

Originally, it was our duty as high-level human cultivators to fight against alien races, so it didn't matter that we didn't receive any rewards for our merits.

However, in recent years, even though the war between the two sides has temporarily ceased, the Tianyan Sect has instead intensified its efforts to force us to carry out these dangerous missions, which has made us suffer greatly.

These years have also resulted in considerable sacrifices, with some comrades losing their lives as a result.

At this point, Xi Hao's eyes dimmed, and he sighed, "Three years ago, Junior Brother Kurong was on a mission when he was besieged by several high-level demons. He died and his nascent soul didn't even escape."

Mingguang and Fairy Chaolu sighed repeatedly, while Luo Feixuan remained calm and composed, occasionally glancing up at Ningfa.

Ning Fa frowned even more deeply.

This was truly unexpected for him.

In his memory, although the Tianyan Sect was always domineering and decisive, it was also very responsible and never harsh on the forces under the Five Spirits Sea, so it was always well supported.

However, judging from the words of Mingguang and others, it seems that Tianyan Sect has changed quite a bit, and is even forcing its subordinate forces to collect resources for itself. Why is this?

Mingguang and the others seemed to have started talking again, pouring out their grievances.

But not long after, Ningfa gestured for them to stop talking.

At the same time, he looked up into the distance.

Mingguang and the others were initially puzzled, but their expressions quickly changed.

A streak of light could be seen rushing toward them from the distant horizon. Before long, a middle-aged cultivator in a scholar's robe with a dignified appearance arrived before them, wielding a flying sword.

The visitor was none other than the Grand Master Kong Qing of the Tianyan Sect.

"Fellow Daoist Kong Qing." Ming Guang and the others immediately greeted him with their hands clasped together, but their attitude clearly showed a sense of distance.

A bitter smile flashed across Master Kongqing's face. He greeted the others and then immediately looked at Ningfa.

"Fellow Daoist Kong Qing, it's been a long time," Ning Fa said with a smile.

Master Kongqing looked him over carefully, his face beaming with smiles: "Fellow Daoist Ning, you're finally back! That's wonderful!"

The group then traveled together, but because Kong Qing was present, Ming Guang and the others didn't talk much more, only briefly mentioning their encounter with Ning Fa.

And Ning Fa had just fought a great battle against Shenwei, killing several Nascent Soul cultivators from the sea race.

Kongqing Shangren casually cast a soundproof spell, then looked intently at Ning Fa with bright eyes and exclaimed:

"Fellow Daoist Ning is truly a genius. In such a short time, you have already advanced to the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm."

Moreover, his supernatural powers have greatly improved, and he can even easily kill the infamous two-headed sea monster, Tu'er. It seems that I am no match for you now.

At this difficult time, we have received such strong support from Fellow Daoist Ning, which is truly encouraging.

Ning Fa smiled modestly and then said meaningfully, "I haven't been back for a long time, and I didn't expect that Kowloon Sea has undergone quite a few changes."

Master Kongqing naturally understood the deeper meaning in Ning Fa's words, and couldn't help but smile wryly, "It seems that Fellow Daoist Mingguang and the others have already poured out their grievances to Fellow Daoist Ning."

“Senior Brother Mingguang and the others did tell me some things, and I am also very curious. I wonder what your sect’s purpose is in doing this?”

Master Kongqing sighed.

"There's nothing to hide from Fellow Daoist Ning about this. In fact, the reason our Tianyan Sect did this is to help Senior Brother Qinghong advance to the Nascent Soul stage as quickly as possible."

Upon hearing this, Ning Fa raised an eyebrow.

The Qinghong mentioned by Kong Qing Shangren is the Grand Elder of Tianyan Sect. He is also a well-known powerhouse in the Nine Dragons Sea, and is on the same level as the Demon Lord at his peak.

However, he had announced his seclusion a long time ago, vowing not to leave until he broke through to the Nascent Soul stage.

This is why he resigned from his position as the head of the Heart Hall of the Fuling Hall, and appointed the position to Wuxin Jushi, the second elder of the Tianyan Sect.

However, logically speaking, Qinghong should have already prepared all the resources needed for his seclusion to break through to the Nascent Soul stage. Why is he now collecting resources on such a large scale?

Moreover, it seems that a great deal is needed, even requiring the Nascent Soul sects of the entire Five Spirits Sea to serve it.

At this moment, Venerable Kongqing explained with a wry smile: "Senior Brother Qinghong failed to break through to the Nascent Soul stage before, and even suffered a serious injury as a result."

However, because the combined forces of the sea race and the demon race were powerful, Senior Brother Qinghong decided to take a more risky approach to try to break through to the Nascent Soul stage again.

This method requires a lot of resources, so our sect had no choice but to resort to this desperate measure.

Ning Fa, however, seemed to be deep in thought. Judging from Kong Qing Shangren's expression, it seemed that even he, a great cultivator of the Tianyan Sect, was not entirely supportive of this move.

However, it was clear that Master Kongqing was unwilling to discuss this further, and instead asked about Ningfa's past experiences, which Ningfa explained in a light-hearted manner.

Master Kongqing didn't ask any further questions, but smiled and said, "Previously, Senior Brother Qinghong and Senior Brother Wuxin were very concerned about Fellow Daoist Ning, and were worried that Fellow Daoist Ning might encounter some accident."

Now that fellow Daoist has returned, they will surely be very happy.

Moreover, they happen to be in Tianque City right now, so Fellow Daoist Ning can meet with them then.

Ning Fa's eyes flashed, and he nodded.

After most of the day had passed, a magnificent city came into view in the distance—it was Tianque City. The group flew straight into the city and soon arrived at the central hall.

Just then, a dozen or so Nascent Soul cultivators emerged from the crowd, and they were naturally surprised and delighted to see Ning Fa.

After all, the addition of another top expert to the Five Spirits Sea would naturally be of great benefit to them.

Ning Fa's heart stirred, and he stopped to exchange pleasantries with each of the Nascent Soul cultivators.

In that case, it won't be long before news of his return spreads from the Five Spirits Sea.

Finally, just as Ning Fa was about to go with Master Kong Qing to see Wu Xin and Qing Hong, a clear and melodious female voice suddenly came through.

"Senior Brother Ning, if you have some free time later, I also have something I'd like to talk to you about."

Ning Fa turned around and saw Luo Feixuan, who was as beautiful as an angel, nodding and smiling at him.

Ning Fa's heart stirred. From the moment he saw this woman, she seemed to have something to say but hesitated. So he nodded in agreement.

He then followed Master Kongqing forward and soon arrived at a pavilion several hundred feet tall in the very center of Tianque City.

This is the central point of the Heavenly Palace City's formation.

“Fellow Daoist Ning, Senior Brothers Qinghong and Wuxin are up there, so I won’t go up with you.”

Ning Fa nodded to Master Kong Qing and flew into the sky, soon arriving at a circular platform several hundred feet high on the top level.

A fierce wind was blowing, and two people who were playing chess put down their pieces, stood up, and looked at him.

"Fellow Daoist Ning, you've finally returned, and you've already reached the mid-Nascent Soul stage. Congratulations!"

Wuxin Jushi looked Ningfa up and down, and couldn't help but smile.

After many years, Master Wuxin's face showed several more wrinkles, clearly indicating that he had worked very hard over the years.

Ning Fa greeted him with a smile, then immediately looked at the other person with a strange look in his eyes.

The man was dressed in a white robe and appeared to be a young man in his early twenties. He had a handsome face and a head of long, snow-white hair that was quite eye-catching.

At the roots of the hair, however, there was a blood-red hue, giving it a faintly eerie feel.

If Ning Fa hadn't sensed the extremely pure and powerful Xuanmen aura emanating from him, he would have almost thought he was a demonic cultivator.

This person's spiritual power is also unfathomable. Although it is not as great as the Demon Lord, the difference is definitely not that big. Obviously, this person should be Qing Hong, the Grand Elder of the Tianyan Sect.

"When Fellow Daoist Ning suddenly appeared, I was unable to meet him because I was in seclusion. After I came out of seclusion, Fellow Daoist Ning also went out to train. I have always regretted this. Now I am finally able to meet him."

Qing Hong also looked Ning Fa up and down, but his surprise was much stronger.

Only then did I realize that Wuxin's previous evaluation of Ningfa was not an exaggeration at all, and in fact, it seemed too conservative now.

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Qinghong."

Ning Fa smiled and said a few modest words, then briefly explained his experiences over the years. Qing Hong and Wu Xin did not ask any further questions.

Ning Fa couldn't help but ask, "What is the current situation of the Fuling Hall? I've returned this time and found that I can't contact the elders in the hall."

Wu Xin Jushi smiled bitterly: "Fellow Daoist Ning, you may not know this, but just when our war with the sea race and the demon race was about to end, Yan Jingchen suddenly launched an attack."

Meanwhile, some people in the Fuling Hall had already secretly defected to him, and through collusion between insiders and outsiders, the Fuling Hall suffered a severe blow.

The high-ranking members of the hall either died or surrendered, leaving only a few elders such as Murong. They have since switched to other sects and are temporarily lying low.

It turns out that all the communication tokens with restrictions in the hall have been replaced, which is why Fellow Daoist Ning couldn't contact them.

Upon hearing this, Ning Fa felt a chill run down his spine, almost forgetting about Yan Jingchen.

This is definitely a tricky character, because he is the reincarnation of that Daoist Yanyuan.

And now that I have obtained his most precious treasure, the Primordial Bead, once the news of my return spreads, he will certainly not let it go.

However, Yan Jingchen had not yet reached the Nascent Soul stage, and with his current strength, he was not too afraid.

"But now that Fellow Daoist Ning has returned, it should only be a matter of time before he leads the Fuling Palace back to its peak."

At this moment, Qinghong laughed.

He then sighed, "I never expected that after Ancestor Jue Lei, there would be another person like Fellow Daoist Ning who possesses the Five Elements Thunder Body."

This is one of the fortunate things for the human race in our world.

After saying that, he turned to Wuxin and said, "Junior Brother, I would like to have a private chat with Fellow Daoist Ning for a while."

Wu Xin nodded and then flew away.

Qinghong looked at Ningfa and suddenly sighed, "I heard that Fellow Daoist Ning also has another identity as an elder of the Jinshuize Wangyue Sect."

"Did you hear from them about the missions our sect issued to the forces under the Five Spirits Sea this time you returned?"

"I did hear them mention it, and they even hoped that Ning would put in a good word for them." Ning Fa didn't expect Qing Hong to bring it up herself, so he simply said it out loud.

Qinghong gave a bitter smile.

"I am aware of the discontent among the sects of the Five Spirit Seas over the years, but I am helpless in this matter."

Fellow Daoist Ning may not know that eight years ago, the Star Luo Palace used the Myriad Stars Plate and the Heavenly Star Pearl to perform two highest-level divinations, and both yielded the same hexagram.

This indicates that in the future, the sea race will unleash a great calamity in this world, and the first to bear the brunt will be our Nine Dragons Sea Race.

Therefore, having an additional Nascent Soul cultivator in a short period of time is extremely important for our human race.

Therefore, I had no choice but to take a risky approach, resorting to that daring method in the hope of breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage in a short time. I could only adopt some short-sighted methods.

Ning Fa remained unfazed. After receiving warnings from the Demon Lord and Fairy of the Distant Star, he was not surprised by the impending calamity of the Sea Clan.

However, looking at Qinghong, he had a slight doubt in his heart: could Qinghong really advance to the Nascent Soul stage smoothly by doing this?

Qinghong's aura gave him a strange and dangerous feeling, which likely indicated that he was cultivating an extraordinary secret technique to break through to the Nascent Soul stage.

It might really be some kind of demonic secret technique, and such techniques usually have significant side effects.

At this moment, Qinghong said again: "In fact, I had already given Wangyue Sect certain preferential treatment before, but now that Fellow Daoist Ning has spoken personally, Wangyue Sect's task can naturally be waived, and even the tasks of the other major sects in Jinshui Marsh can be reduced by more than half."

"Thank you, fellow Daoist." Ning Fa also expressed his gratitude.

"Fellow Daoist Ning, I just wanted to remind you that Yan Jingchen has always harbored resentment towards you, the current Palace Master of Fuling Hall. Now that you have returned, I'm afraid he won't let this go so easily."

After recovering from his injuries, this person's strength has become extremely terrifying. Even I, an old man, would find it difficult to say that I can defeat him. Therefore, you would be better off staying in the Five Spirits Sea for the time being.

"I'm currently refining a magical artifact. With your pure lightning spiritual power, fellow Daoist, I'm sure its power can be greatly enhanced."

Ning Fa shook his head and said, "Brother Dao, I have important business to attend to and must go to Haoqiong Sea immediately. I also want to borrow your sect's cross-sea teleportation array."

As for Yan Jingchen, Brother, you don't need to worry about me. Even if I'm no match for him, escaping shouldn't be a problem."

A look of surprise appeared on Qinghong's face. Seeing her resolute attitude, she didn't try to persuade her further and nodded, saying:

"Judging from Fellow Daoist Ning's appearance, he must have something urgent to attend to, so I won't linger any longer."

With this sect elder token, you can use that teleportation array.

"I'll discuss my treasure with you when you return, fellow Daoist."

Ning Fa accepted the token handed to him by Qing Hong, bowed to him in farewell, and then left the place with a burst of light.

Only Qinghong remained on the high platform. He stood with his hands behind his back, looking into the distance. His eyes gradually turned bloodshot, and his aura became extremely eerie.

He then took out a special octagonal magic disc, gathered spiritual energy at his fingertips, and quickly wrote a sentence on it.

Meanwhile, in the forbidden area of ​​Thunder Prison Mountain, inside a black hall that is constantly surrounded by lightning.

A young cultivator dressed in black robes, with long hair that was half black and half white, and a handsome yet somewhat eerie appearance, was sitting cross-legged with his eyes closed. Black and white lightning kept emanating from his body, creating an astonishing spectacle.

This person is none other than Yan Jingchen, the current master of Thunder Prison Mountain.

At this moment, as if sensing something, he suddenly opened his eyes, turned his right hand over, and took out an identical octagonal magic plate.

After reading the handwriting, a sudden glint flashed in his sharp eyes. He abruptly stood up and chuckled in a low voice:
"Ningfa, you're finally back."

He was about to leave when something occurred to him, and his eyes flashed as he said:

"This person possesses the Five Elements Thunder Body, which is somewhat effective against me. To ensure the success of this trip, I might as well ask him to accompany me."

As soon as he finished speaking, he transformed into a streak of black and white lightning and vanished in an instant.

(End of this chapter)